Bead recycling center offers new, environmentally-friendly throws

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Bead recycling center offers new, environmentally-friendly throws

METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) – Arc of Greater New Orleans has been collecting and recycling Mardi Gras beads for four decades, but this year they’re doing something different. Float riders can now purchase environmentally-friendly and handmade products from Arc.

The beads are created out of hand-rolled paper from magazines, boas are produced out of recycled fabric, and a Frisbee-type toy or pocket disc, is actually created out of cloth that is hand-crocheted and sturdy enough to fly like a Frisbee but soft enough to be played with indoors.

Arc purchased the items as a way of offering its customers a bigger selection of green throws for Mardi Gras.

All of the new items are on sale, along with regular beads and trinkets, at the Mardi Gras Recycle Center located at Arc’s Metairie center. Arc will be hosting four Saturday sale events where float riders can purchase beads by the pound as well as the new throws.

Arc of Greater New Orleans is committed to securing for all people with intellectual disabilities and delays the opportunity to develop, function and live to their fullest potential. Arc currently serves 900 children and adults from birth through adulthood in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and soon to be St. Tammany Parish.